[Support for Parents]

Sources
[Parent Training and Information
Centers (PTI)]
Parent Training and Information Centers provide
free information to parents of children with Dyscalculia. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2016,
disabilities. At these centers, parents can learn from http://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-
disabilities/dyscalculia/
about parental and child rights under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Morin, A. (n.d.). Understanding Dyscalculia.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section Retrieved January 31, 2016, from
504. They provide support groups, educational https://www.understood.org/en/learning-
attention-issues/child-learning-
specialists, legal assistance, and other local, state, disabilities/dyscalculia/understanding-dyscalculia
and national resources.
Dyscalculia in Children: Treatment, exercises,
[Community Parent Resource Centers] causes, symptoms, types of dyscalculia,
assessment, and defintion. (n.d.). Retrieved
Community Parent and Resource Centers work February 22, 2016, from

Dyscalculia
mainly with low-income families or families that https://www.cognifit.com/pathology/dyscalculia
speak English as a second language. They provide
workshops and training sessions about IDEA,
special education, and disabilities. Employees from A short guide for parents
these centers can give advice through the phone,
via email, or in person. Other resources these
centers provide are lists of tutors, education
specialists, special programs, and schools.
Additionally, some centers have libraries full of
helpful books, videos, and pamphlets.

To find a Parent Training and Information Center

[Health Professionals]
Psychologists and counselors are a great source of
support for parents as well as kids. They can help
Gaby De Jesus
with managing stress and addressing concerns.
PSY 301-OL
 [Causes cont.] Where can I get support
What is Brain injury → Injury to certain parts of the brain may
dyscalculia? result in “acquired dyscalculia.” for my child and for
myself?
[Symptoms]
[Definition] It is important to note that not all children have the same
[Support for Students]
symptoms. Symptoms become more apparent as children
Dyscalculia is a brain-based, lifelong condition that makes
age, but dyscalculia can still be detected as early as Students who have been diagnosed with dyscalculia can
it hard to make sense of numbers and math concepts. It receive support at school and at home in a variety of ways.
kindergarten. General symptoms include difficulty with the
can be defined as the dysfunction of the neural
following:
connections that process numerical language. Children
[504 Plan]
with this exceptionality often understand the execution of - Understanding the concepts of place value,
A 504 plan is a written plan detailing how the school will
math but do not understand the logic behind it. quantity, number lines, positive and negative
accommodate the child’s needs. Any student with a
values, and carrying and borrowing
learning disability is eligible for a 504 plan.
[Facts] - Understanding and doing word problems Accommodations include having more time to take a test,
Dyscalculia is also known as “mathematics learning - Sequencing information or events having a shorter test, recording lessons and lectures, and
disability” and “math dyslexia.” using a calculator in class.
- Using steps involved in math operations
6% to 7% of elementary school children may have
dyscalculia. - Understanding fractions [Individualized Education Plan (IEP)]
- Making change and handling money A student receives an IEP after he or she has been
Many children with dyscalculia also have dyslexia and/or
evaluated for special education services and is diagnosed
ADHD. - Recognizing patterns when adding, subtracting, as having the disability. Once it has been determined that
Dyscalculia affects many different areas of math learning multiplying, or dividing a student is eligible for an IEP, a team of teachers and
and performance. - Putting language to the math process other specialists meet to write the IEP for the student. An
IEP provides students with accommodations as well as
- Understanding concepts related to time
[Causes] other services such as assistive technology.
- Organizing problems on the page, keeping
Although the exact cause of dyscalculia is unknown, there
numbers lined up, following through on long [Tutors]
are some possible causes.
division problems Tutors can help students with dyscalculia in and out of
Genes and heredity → Dyscalculia may be genetic. school. Tutoring can be done in a small group or on a one-
Brain development → Development of dyscalculia may be to-one basis. Tutors can come up with alternative methods
due to differences in the surface area, thickness, and to help the child better understand math concepts.
volume of the parts of the brain linked to learning and
memory. [Health Professionals]
Psychologists and counselors can help students manage
Environment → Dyscalculia has been linked to exposure to
any stress, anxiety, and depression that comes from the
alcohol in the womb. Prematurity and low birth weight An example of how a student with dyscalculia can
frustrations of having a learning disability.
may also be causes. have trouble with the concept of carrying